Over the past few decades, careers in all areas of criminal justice (law enforcement,
courts, corrections, security) have undergone increasing professionalization. With
that change has come a trend for increasing educational requirements, both for entry-level
positions and promotional opportunities. It was out of this increasing need for higher
education that the College of DuPage Criminal Justice program was created more than
25 years ago.

Since then, students who take criminal justice classes do so for a variety of reasons.
Many (if not most) are taking the courses as part of a degree or certificate program,
with intentions of pursuing or advancing in a career in criminal justice. Others take
selected classes as part of a program in a related field. Some take individual courses
to learn more about the criminal justice system and constitutional rights.

Those pursuing a program in Criminal Justice have four basic choices: the Associate
in Applied Science (occupational) degree, the Associate in Arts (transfer) degree,
the Certificate in Criminal Justice, and the Homeland Security Certificate.

Criminal Justice and Fire Science Technology Programs

The Homeland Education Center (HEC) at College of DuPage provides career training for criminal justice, police and fire science students in all disciplines required for a successful career in these growing professions. The high tech HEC building includes a full immersion street scene that allows students to participate in realistic action scenarios. The center also houses a multi-station forensics lab to train students to examine evidence in controlled environments.

3+1 Program

COD and Lewis University 3+1 Degree Program in Criminal / Social Justice

College of DuPage Addison Center

College of DuPage Addison Center is located in the Technology Center of DuPage (TCD) on the east side of Swift Road, north of North Avenue and south of Army Trail Road. Swift Road is approximately 3/4 mile west of Route 53 or I-355.

College of DuPage Lisle location

The Lisle location is home to the College of DuPage Foundation, Center of Entrepreneurship and WorkNet Force. College of DuPage Lisle is located in the One Corporate Lakes building at the corner of Forbes and Cabot drives, just north of Warrenville Road.

College of DuPage Naperville Center

College of DuPage Naperville Center is located on the south side of Rickert Drive. Rickert Drive is accessed by turning north from 75th Street two miles west of Washington Street. From Route 59, travel east on 75th Street to Rickert Drive and turn north.

College of DuPage Westmont Center

College of DuPage Westmont Center is located on the west side of Pasquinelli Drive. Pasquinelli Drive is accessed by turning north from Ogden Avenue one block west of Route 83. The center entrance is immediately north of the bank.